WHo Packed Your Chute?

“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in your power to do it” (Proverbs 3:27).

Hey gang,  most of you know I was a member of the Flying Bird Boy Club (better known as the United States Air Force) for four years and served with many of the warriors who had fought in the Korean conflict.  It was always a joy to sit around after the traffic was safely tucked away on the flight line and chew the fat on past days, friendships and even an exploit or two.

There were some wonderful stories that high-lighted the camaraderie that exists among our nations warriors.  When you are placed in the position of protecting your neighbor’s back, it leads to some very strong relationships, even though you may not know the person you are protecting.

One of the very special buildings on the flight line had no special name;  just a little grey building filled with  long tables.  But, to the pilots, it was one of the most important places on the base - it was there that the parachutes were packed by a group of very dedicated airmen.

I ran across this neat little story several days ago; it hit a nerve and I want to share the story with you:

“Charles Plumb, a Navy pilot in Vietnam was shot down and captured after successfully completing 75 combat missions over North Vietnam.  He survived six years in the Hanoi Hilton, the famed Vietnamese prison.  Now he shares lectures on his experiences. 

One day a man came up to him and said, “You’re Plumb!  You flew jet fighters from the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk.  You were shot down!”  Plumb replied, “How in the world did you know that?”  Smiling, the man said, “I packed your parachute, I guess it worked!”

Neat heh!  Now for the question: “Who packed your chute?  Who helped you get where you are? Who put their all on the line and protected your back?  Paul looks back and recalls people most of us have never heard of – like Andronicus and Junia, “...Who for my sake risked their necks” (Romans 16:4.

 Soooo, my young warriors for Christ, keep in mind there are no ‘self-made’ people.  Everyone who has ever done a kind deed, or spoken a word of encouragement has entered into the makeup of your character and your success.  So who packed your parachute?  Be advised I am helping to pack your parachute each time I pray for you.

Blessings,

Gramps